MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly criticized the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying the chief executive has significant shortcomings in addressing the country’s pressing issues.

In a statement that circulated widely on social media, Duterte said the president’s weaknesses are not limited to showing sympathy or empathy toward Filipinos but also extend to broader governance concerns.

“Marami siyang kakulangan bilang Presidente, hindi lamang sa pagbibigay ng simpatya at empathy sa ating mga kababayan. More than that ay ’yung problema at iskandalo sa paggamit ng pera ng bayan.”

The vice president’s remarks emerged amid ongoing discussions about the government’s response to Filipinos affected by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The crisis has raised concerns about the safety of many Overseas Filipino Workers working in the region, with calls for stronger government assistance and repatriation efforts.

Despite her criticism of the administration, Duterte emphasized that the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines remains willing to assist Filipinos affected by international crises.

“Kung ano man ’yung matulong ng Office of the Vice President ay gagawin namin. Ipaalam lang sa amin kung paano kami makakatulong.”

Her statement has sparked renewed discussion among political observers about the evolving dynamics between the country’s top two leaders. The Marcos–Duterte alliance played a major role in the 2022 elections, but recent public exchanges and policy disagreements have drawn attention to possible divisions within the leadership.

Analysts say such public criticism from a sitting vice president toward the incumbent president is relatively rare and could reflect deeper political tensions within the administration.

As the situation unfolds and political discourse intensifies, many observers are asking a critical question: Are these remarks simply part of policy disagreements—or do they signal a deeper political rift within the country’s leadership?

(Larawan mula: Bongbong Marcos, Inday Sara Duterte / Facebook)